Medical Marijuana For Cancer Patients: Potential Relief And Benefits
Medical marijuana doctors have long recognized the potential applications of MMJ for cancer patients. For years, they’re recommending it to battle chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, too. For more info on this matter, let’s discuss how medical marijuana can help in treating cancer and other illnesses.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the compounds in cannabis that has been taunted for its medical benefits. But unlike Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not make people feeling stoned because it doesn’t cause the ‘high.’ CBD also counteracts the psychoactive effects of THC.
Due to the little to no psychoactivity it causes, CBD dominant strains are more preferred by patients looking for relief against psychosis, inflammation, pain, spasms and seizures without the dysphoria or lethargy caused by THC dominant strains. For more about the health benefits of MMJ, keep reading in the following.
The health benefits of medical marijuana
There are many benefits of using medical marijuana. Keep reading in the following.
Weight loss
Certain studies had it that MMJ users are thinner than non-users are because marijuana is able to control the body’s insulin production, resulting in better caloric management and consumption.
Lung health
Cannabis can improve lung health especially among those suffering from conditions, such as lung cancer and emphysema as well as other chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders.
Depression
With moderate use, medical cannabis can help relieve the symptoms of depression, which is the least talked about mental illness in the world.
It does help in treating depression by increasing the levels of serotonin, the happy hormones, in the body. Without even saying, medical marijuana can act as a natural anti-depressant that works effectively and safely.
Diabetes management
Again, MMJ can help in controlling insulin production and managing body weight. Following, it may help in treating and preventing diabetes as well. In many marijuana dispensaries you can find a wide range of cannabis strains that are especially for diabetes treatment.
Alzheimer’s disease prevention
One of the most known benefits of cannabis is on the brain and against associated cognitive illnesses, including Alzheimer’s disease.
MMJ works by removing the toxic plaque in the brain of sufferers. Even if it cannot cure the disease, it can slow down the process of its development, leading to a better quality of life among patients.
ADHD treatment
When used in moderation, medical marijuana can aid in improving the concentration of patients. In fact, it is also a cheaper alternative to prescription drugs, such as Ritalin.
PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder sufferers have long been reaping the benefits of MMJ to relieve their symptoms, including anxiety.
[But if you’re looking to get MMJ recommendation from medical marijuana doctors in your state, check out the qualified conditions for medical marijuana.]
In the last years, scientists and researchers continue exploring on the potentials and benefits of medical cannabis in treating a wide range of health conditions. They’re also conducting clinical trials with cannabis and CBD extracts to treat conditions, which also include but not limited to the following.
- Seizures
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Substance use disorders
- HIV/AIDS
- Mental disorders
- Multiple sclerosis
Cancer relief with medical marijuana
Studies had it that marijuana can help those who are undergoing cancer treatment. For one, MMJ can help in pain management because it works like opioids except the side effects. It also has anti-inflammatory effects that alleviate the pain of those living with cancer-related pain.
Chemotherapy-induced vomiting and nausea is another department where MMJ can help. In fact, the FDA has approved a synthetic cannabinoid, Dronabinol, to lessen these two side effects of chemotherapy.
MMJ can also help in preventing nerve damage, a common side effect and complication of mainstream cancer treatments. This condition is characterized by symptoms, including tingling, numbness, burning in the hands and feet and weakness.
Final thoughts: What to expect from marijuana use
Correct medical marijuana use can help in treating a wide range of illnesses but without the side effects associated with mainstream treatments and prescriptions. With CBD, in particular, you will get symptoms relief but without the euphoria, munchies and psychoactive effects associated with THC.
Definitely, conclusive research and studies are needed to once and for all determine the potentials of using MMJ to treat mental disorders, such as depression and PTSD, and other conditions, including chronic pain, inflammation, and cancer, but preliminary studies and findings are promising.
